Herbs to help maintain condition in a Veteran or Senior Horse

As
a horse or pony gets older, it is important
to regularly assess his
care and dietary needs. Herbs can play an important part in this nutritional care.

The changes in a veteran horse mean that even when
a senior horse is relatively healthy, his organs and systems function
less efficiently than in younger years.

Feeding herbs as a feed supplement is a good way of giving your old horse
or pony some extra help to keep him healthy in his old age.

Herbs can be added fresh to a horse's feed, or there are herb supplements
and mixes for sale that have been developed for equine use.

You should be able to find a herbal supplement specially
formulated for senior or veteran horses.

Herbs have been used for centuries for their therapeutic properties and
they are effective - it is worth remembering that many modern medicines
are derived directly from plants.

Herbs are as useful for horses as they are for humans.

Some herbs which are useful for equine system support for a veteran
or older horse, and are a common combination in herbal supplements for
senior horses are:

BURDOCK

Burdock Root (Arctium lappa) - this has been
used for its diuretic, and liver
and bile stimulating effects.

This cleansing and detoxifying action makes it effective for chronic
skin complaints and it is also believed to have anti- tumour effects.

Burdock should not be given to a mare
in foal due to its uterine-stimulating effects.

CLIVERS

Clivers(Galium
aparine) - also known as cleavers and goosegrass, this bitter, cooling
herb acts as a tonic for the lymphatic system and has been widely used
for skin conditions.

Clivers has some diuretic properties and is also sometimes used to help
reduce swelling in a horse's joints and legs.

DANDELION

Dandelion root and leaves (Taraxacum
officinale) - the dandelion, often considered to be a weed, has roots
that have been used throughout history for their bile-stimulating action
and beneficial effects on digestive and liver function.

Dandelion leaves have a potent diuretic action, flushing out the kidneys,
and are rich in potassium, replacing that lost in the urine.

ECHINACEA

Echinacea root (Echinacea purpurea) - this
is a well-known immune system stimulant. It also has anti-inflammatory,
antimicrobial and circulation boosting effects.

Echinacea is considered by many to be the most effective detoxicant for
the circulatory, lymphatic and respiratory systems of the horse.

GINGKO

Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba)- the leaves of the
ancient ginkgo tree contain ginkgolides - compounds that are not found
in any other plant.

These and other active substances give ginkgo biloba its reputation for
having remarkable circulation stimulating properties.

MILK THISTLE

Milk thistle seeds (Silybum marianum) - the
seeds of this herb have been used for thousands of years for treating
liver disorders.

Milk Thistle contains a compound that is reputed to have remarkable rejuvenating
effects on the liver.

NETTLE

Nettle (Urtica dioica) - Nettle is a mild
diuretic. It also promotes good circulation, and has been known to be
helpful in arthritic conditions and laminitis.

Nettle is considered a good general tonic which also promotes coat and
skin health in the older horse.

Advice about herbal supplements for veteran horses.
Feeding herbs is a good way of giving an old horse or pony some help to keep
healthy in old age. Herbs can be added fresh or dried to the horse's feed